Washington After the Battle of Princeton, New Jersey 1782

Charles Willson Peale created this portrait of George Washington using oil paints, likely on a linen canvas stretched over a wood frame. Consider how Peale, as a working artist, would have understood the economics of image-making. He aimed to capture not just Washington’s likeness, but also his status. The texture and luster of Washington’s uniform, achieved through careful layering of paint, speak to his rank and authority. The cannon near Washington symbolizes military might, and its metallic surface is rendered with meticulous detail, reflecting the artist’s skill and labor. Peale's work challenges traditional hierarchies within the art world. Portraiture served a functional purpose, preserving likeness and conveying social standing, but it also demanded technical skill and artistic vision. By mastering the craft of painting, Peale elevated his work beyond mere representation.